DAP Guidelines

Applications for the Australian Representative Office’s 2018-19 Direct Aid Program open in August 2018. See below for details of how to apply.

RAMALLAH DIRECT AID PROGRAM GUIDELINES 2018-19

1. What is the Direct Aid Program (DAP)?

The Direct Aid Program is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government in over 100 countries worldwide. For general information about the program, please see http://dfat.gov.au/dap. The Australian Representative Office (ARO), Ramallah, runs the DAP program in the Palestinian Territories.

2. What sectors are eligible for DAP funding?

The primary objective of DAP is to support small-scale aid activities that deliver practical and tangible results in vulnerable communities.

In 2018-19, the Ramallah Direct Aid Program will target the following groups:

marginalised women

children and youth

people with disabilities.

Our funding priority sectors are:

health

disability

gender equality and women’s empowerment

education and safe play/learning environments.

3. Who can apply?

DAP funding is available on a not-for-profit basis to registered/accredited entities, community groups, local or international NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in the Palestinian Territories.

Applications can be submitted for projects in the West Bank, Gaza Strip or East Jerusalem.

4. What are the requirements?

Applications must:

complete a DAP Application Form through Smartygrants;

include an itemised and fully costed project budget;

include applicants’ registration or accreditation details;

include a workplan, showing that the project would be completed no later than 15 June 2019; and

clearly demonstrate how the project will help provide development or humanitarian outcomes for vulnerable communities.

DAP grants are limited to a maximum of USD 20,000 per project.

Preference is given to projects that:

Involve the beneficiaries in the identification, design and management of the project.

Address the needs of vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, including women, children and youth, and people with disabilities.

Have a lasting developmental outcome, either by creating small infrastructure or building sustainable human or organisational capacity.

Comply with local laws and have the demonstrated support of local authorities.

Are sustainable. Proposals need to demonstrate a commitment on the part of beneficiaries to implement the activities and maintain them beyond the conclusion of the project.

We will NOT fund the following:

Grants programs run by other governments or organisations.

Cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involves return of money.

Administrative costs not directly related to project implementation.

Commercial ventures.

Australian or overseas study tours.

Costs of catering (i.e. food and drinks) for promotional/launch events associated with DAP projects, including the cost of obtaining media coverage.

Payment of consultants, where this would constitute a major cost component of the project.

Projects, including commemorative events, sporting tournaments or cultural displays, that do not have clear developmental outcome.

Projects that include ineligible components will only be considered if the proposal clearly states how these ineligible components will be funded by sources other than DAP.

In assessing applications, the ARO will take into account the experience and track record of the applicant organisation, as well as the nature of the project. The ARO will scrutinise budget proposals in detail and reserves the right to request budget adjustments where necessary.

5. Do I need to recognise the Australian Government’s support?

Yes. All successful DAP projects must be publicly identified as sponsored by the Australian Government. Where possible a permanent reminder should be created. Badging may include physical signage at project sites or imprints on sponsored hardware and print materials, and should include the Australian aid identifier. Costs associated with badging a project may make up a small part of the project’s budget. However, the costs should be very minor in proportion to the overall project.

6. How do I apply?

All applications for funding should carefully follow the DAP Guidelines, and should be submitted online via the Smartygrants platform. Please note that the DAP Committee no longer accepts applications by email.

Applications for the 2018-19 DAP round will open in August 2018 and will be advertised via the Australian Representative Office’s website and Facebook page.

Applications will close on Sunday 16 September 2018.

Funding decisions will be made in December 2018.

7. Please note the following:

The DFAT Child Protection Policy applies to all partners funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), including DAP funding recipients. If the project involves working with children, the organisation must provide a copy of their current child protection policy or code of conduct.

Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that no support or resources are provided to any entity involved in terrorist activities or subject to sanctions (by the United Nations Security Council or the Australian Government).

Building or construction projects must comply with appropriate environmental, construction and work health and safety standards. They should meet or exceed Australian or WHO safety standards where possible. DAP does not allow the use of asbestos as a building material.

Recipients are required to provide written documentation to prove that DAP funds were spent according to the project proposal. The ARO will consider seeking reimbursement of funds if acquittals are not finalised within two months of project completion. ARO officers would expect to visit the project.

Recipients are required to report to the ARO if they become aware of any Fraudulent Activity involving any activities funded through the DAP program.

Applications will be assessed following the closure of the round and successful applicants notified. Generally, the DAP Committee meets in October/November to consider applications and recommend a shortlist for approval by the delegate. We anticipate funding decisions will be made in December 2018.

8. Further information

Specific queries about the Direct Aid Program in the Palestinian Territories should be directed to the Program Manager (DAP) via the contact details below: